An electricity meter must be installed in every room where a person consumes electricity. This is a metering device, thanks to which it is possible to calculate with high accuracy the volumes of consumed resources per unit of time. In order for the counter to display data correctly, it must have a high accuracy class.
What is the accuracy class of an electric meter
There are several accuracy classes for electrical measuring instruments that have been provided for by international standards. Their main task is to "monitor" the quality of the measured measurements.
A certain digital combination is indicated on the case of the device in accordance with the class, indicating the permissible error during measurements in percent (%).
Existing accuracy classes
- 0,05;
- 0,1;
- 0,2;
- 0,5;
- 1,0;
- 1,5;
- 2,5.
The listed sequence of numbers is inversely proportional to its digital value: the smaller the number, the higher the accuracy class. To identify the percentage of error in the smaller or larger side, it is required to compare the readings of the tested and the exemplary electricity meter.
Any device with a class above no more than one stage can act as an exemplary meter. Devices with an accuracy class of 0.05 are laboratory exhibits; they are not used either in industry or in household needs.
What CT scan should an electric meter have
Bodies of the state apparatus decided to switch to improved electricity metering devices with an accuracy class of at least 1.0. When buying a new device, it is important to pay attention to this, otherwise you will have to spend more money on a new electric meter.
It is almost impossible to see induction-type devices with a similar class. In addition, their price is quite high, which is unjustified in terms of domestic use.
For apartment
The percentage deviation from the real volume of the consumed resource depends on the indicators of the accuracy class. In apartment conditions, it is allowed to use meters with an average level of accuracy class; in percentage terms, the error reaches 2% up or down.
The smaller the figure that is recorded in the accompanying technical documentation for the metering device, the smaller the error will be. You also need to consider: the more accurate the device, the higher its cost.
In order to correctly calculate the main indicators of an apartment metering device, when choosing it, it is required to obtain detailed explanations from the consultants of the organization that supplies services and sells electric meters. As a rule, all the conditions and technical characteristics of the device are prescribed in the contract, which must be concluded between the supplier and the consumer without fail.
In accordance with Russian legislation, contracts indicate only the lower level of the accuracy class. There are no legal restrictions on the caps.
In each apartment building, introductory general house metering devices with an accuracy class of at least 1.0 are required. In the event of failure, meters with an accuracy higher than 2.0 are not repairable and must be replaced.
For a private house
Do not rush to purchase the first electricity meter you like. First, you need to familiarize yourself with its main technical characteristics and conditions of power supply in the house.
If the necessary information is missing in the accompanying documentation, it is required to involve specialists who, using special equipment, will clarify the type of voltage, analyze the number of connected household appliances.
Electricians are advised to take care of drawing up the correct electrical wiring diagram in a country house or in the country.
In private and country houses for household use, as a rule, electricity meters are purchased with an accuracy class of no more than 2.5%. These are the permissible limits for devices of an electromechanical or induction type. Modern and more advanced digital and electronic models are characterized by an error level of no more than 1.0 - 1.5%.
How to determine
Outdated metering devices today are off-design, therefore, organizations supplying the resource have every right to refuse to accept readings of electricity consumption. Such meters are subject to mandatory replacement with improved models with up-to-date technical characteristics.
In order to calculate the percentage of error in fact, as well as to obtain documented confirmation of the excess of the established norms, it is required to contact special metrological services, which, using special equipment, will check the operability of the device. The results obtained are compared with the parameters declared by the manufacturer and a conclusion is made. This procedure is quite costly, so it is better to immediately install a new model and dispose of the old electricity meter. After installation, a new meter must be registered with the RES within 30 days from the date of installation, otherwise penalties will follow.
To calculate the accuracy with which the electric meter counts, it is enough to visually inspect it. All technical data must be recorded on the body.
The accuracy class of an electricity meter is the most important characteristic that can help reduce utility bills. The costs will pay off within a few years.
